Bullying, Excessive Internet Use Behind Spike In Teen Suicides
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Bullying and excessive Internet use have led to suicide becoming the second leading cause of death for older teens, according to a new study.
The study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found pathological internet use and bullying are behind suicide's rise as a cause of death in 15- to 19-year olds.
Dr. Benjamin Shain, the study's author, said the study found a difference among the genders in how much bullying it takes to lead to suicide.
"Boys seem to require repeated bullying to have a substantial negative effect, whereas girls it could be one episode," he said.
He attributed that to girls' greater social awareness and boys having more outlets.
While cyberbullying is a major risk factor for suicide, Shain encouraged parents to fight the urge to take away electronics if their teen is being bullied online.
"That meets short-term goals in terms of kind of cutting things off, but it's counter to the longer-term goal of being able to be trusted and provide guidance, because it just sends things underground," he said.
Shain, head of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at NorthShore University Health Systems, said not all online relations are bad. The social support that comes on Facebook when learning about a suicide can prevent a teen from taking his or her own life.
Instead of cutting off a teen's electronics if they become a victim of cyberbullying, Shain said parents should establish a closer relationship with teens so they feel comfortable sharing their problems.